Optimization of the separation of beta-blockers by ion-pair capillary electrophoresis in non-aqueous media using univariate and multivariate approaches

The separation of four beta-blocking drug substances (atenolol, sotalol, betaxolol, and metoprolol) selected as model basic analytes has been investigated in non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) using the principle of ion-pair formation. Camphorsulphonate was selected as the counter-ion in a background electrolyte (BGE) made up of formate buffer in a mixture of acetonitrile/methanol or acetonitrile/ethanol. The influence on resolution of the concentration of the counter-ion, the nature and proportion of the organic solvents, as well as the concentration of the ionic components of the BGE was first studied by a univariate approach. An experimental design was then applied to estimate possible quadratic effects and first-order interactions. To identify the most important factors affecting the separation of the four beta-blockers, a two-level fractional factorial design with 16 experimental points was applied as a screening test. A three factor Box-Behnken design with 12 experimental points was used to predict and optimize the selectivity. Finally the optimal conditions obtained by the univariate and the multivariate, approaches were compared.